The MRQ
| Company type | Ensemble / Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | August 1968 |
| Founder | Peter Jermyn |
| Headquarters | Ottawa , Canada |
Area served | Canada, United States |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
The Modern Rock Quartet (MRQ) was a Canadian ensemble blending jazz and rock, founded by Peter Jermyn, previously the keyboardist for Luke & The Apostles, along with musicians who had collaborated with Bruce Cockburn in the last formation of The Esquires.
Origins
Following the breakup of Luke & The Apostles in August 1967, keyboard player Peter Jermyn moved to Ottawa and joined Heart, a local band fronted by vocalist John Martin. Shortly thereafter, Jermyn reconnected with Doug Orr (bass) and Robert Coulthart (drums), both former members of The Esquires, inviting them and Martin to establish a new group. Heart continued with Jack Arseneault taking over on organ.
Modern Rock Quartet was established in August 1968 and quickly gained recognition for their unique jazz-rock style that notably excluded guitar. They attracted interest from five American record labels, including two major ones, eventually signing with RCA. RCA brought the group to New York to record sessions, much of which remained unreleased.
Although based out of Ottawa, MRQ frequently played in Toronto venues such as El Patio in December 1968 and appeared at prominent festivals including Varsity Stadium in June 1969 alongside artists like Steppenwolf and Blood Sweat & Tears; the Toronto Rock Festival at Varsity Arena in March 1970 sharing the bill with Canned Heat and MC5; and Festival Express at CNE Stadium in June 1970 where they performed with The Band, Janis Joplin, and The Grateful Dead.
Bruce Cockburn
Their discography includes a single featuring Jermyn’s "Plastic Street" with "Games" as the B-side, co-written by Bruce Cockburn and Michael Ferry (also known as Lee Jackson). Both songs were also recorded in French—titled "Rue Plastique" and "Des Jeux" respectively—for RCA but did not achieve chart success. Other unreleased tracks include "Revolution" and "Lady of Pleasure."
Ahead of its time
In 1969, MRQ opened for major groups such as The Who, Procol Harum, and The Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Jermyn’s keyboard technique notably impacted Keith Emerson. The band’s repertoire largely consisted of Jermyn’s concertos alongside compositions by Bruce Cockburn that Cockburn himself opted not to record. Noteworthy pieces included "Opening Jam" as well as live staples like "Happiness Is Majority" and "Cities Are Tight."
After releasing their single, John Martin departed and was succeeded by Bob Blyth, followed by Brian Lewicki, another former Esquires vocalist. The lineup expanded briefly with Pat Karwan, ex-guitarist from 1910 Fruitgum Company, who soon left to form the band TCB.
Peter Jermyn leaves
Jermyn became disenchanted following Lewicki’s inclusion and, after a prominent performance at Expo '70 in Japan, exited the group, expressing disdain for the bar scene he considered backward. Drew King from White stepped in as his replacement; however, the band dissolved shortly thereafter.
The Sackbut
In the early 1970s, Jermyn collaborated with Dr Hugh LeCaine of the National Research Council to develop the Electronic Sackbut. He toured extensively giving demonstrations of this instrument and composed the theme music for NBC’s children’s science program Dr Wizard. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he worked freelance on television and film soundtracks, contributing special effects for Heavy Metal. More recently, he has performed with The Apostles in Toronto.
Aftermath
Lewicki, Orr, and Coulthart continued performing together for several years at the Chez Henri bar located in Hull before eventually disbanding. They came back together in 1974, adding Rod Phillips on keyboards, and produced a single under the Aquarius label.
Trivia
Their debut live appearance took place at the official residence of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
Discography
- 45 "Plastic Street" b/w "Games" (RCA Victor 1002) 1968